Former London Irish flanker Tom Pearson has made a serious impact since being called up by England head coach Steve Borthwick.
The 23-year-old was left without a club side last week when the Exiles were placed into administration and suspended from the Gallagher Premiership, but now joins the men in Black, Green and Gold ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Pearson was a key cog for London Irish last term, as the Exiles recorded their highest finish in over a decade to reach fifth in the Gallagher Premiership.
He made 235 tackles in 2022/23 – with only Saints second row Alex Moon making more across the league – and was also in the top three players for turnovers won (21).
Pearson’s performances put him firmly in World Cup contention and the flanker was named in England’s training squad on Monday, with Steve Borthwick’s side beginning their preparations for the tournament this week.
Speaking to the press Borthwick revealed: “Tom was on a bike this week and achieved scores we’ve never seen before.
“Everybody stands back and sees that and say’s it’s just phenomenal, a young man jumping in and doing that. It drives competition.
“What he did in one session, not to single him out, was incredible and I’ve never seen it. He emptied everything he had and he should be very proud of himself.”
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Manu Tuilagi sets outstanding bench press record for England
“How much do you bench bro?” is a question heard around rugby clubs and a gyms all over the country.
The England squad have met for Steve Borthwick’s first training camp as head coach since he replaced Eddie Jones last month.
However, one gym record that wasn’t broken during the 2023 Six Nations was Tuilagi’s benchpress triumph.
Bench Press record:
BENCH-PRESS RECORD:
